More than 200 people turned out to an awards ceremony which honoured the achievements of special young people in the borough.

The 14th annual Dudley Youth Awards recognised young people aged 11 to 19, or up to 25 for young people with a disability, in a range of different categories. The awards look to celebrate the valuable contribution young people make to their communities.

The awards evening was held in the Furnace Theatre, part of Glasshouse College, Stourbridge on Friday. It was organised by Dudley Youth Council with the support of Dudley Council’s youth service. Two young people in particular were recognised as being an inspiration to others.

The winner of the Inspiring Others Award was James Bartlett, who has remained a consistent role model in school despite his extensive commitments as a carer for a member of his family.

Iman Sarfraz was honoured with the Inspiration Award – Overcoming Adversity. She was praised for her determination and sense of humour despite suffering with many health problems, as well as for her willingness to help others.

There were also awards handed out for achievement in specific categories.

The winners of the Environmental Award were Matthew Dwyer and Louis Griffin for their tireless work as young volunteers at Mary Stevens Park, which includes litter picking and keeping the pool area clean and safe for wildfowl.

Alicia Priday was the winner of the Creative Arts Award. A pupil at Summerhill School in Kingswinford, she has excelled at Art throughout her school life and has also helped tutor younger pupils as well as helping out at the Red House Glass Cone in her spare time.

The Sport Award went to Freya Palmer, who competes at national level in archery and is the proud holder of several records while still maintaining high standards in school work despite her sporting commitments.

Charlotte Collins was the winner of the Contribution to Schools, College and Further Education Award. The teenager was praised for achieving top GCSE results despite having most of Year 11 off to recover from a back operation. Now in sixth form, she also gives up her time to mentor Year 7 students and help them read and has been described as “exceptionally kind”.

The Community, Charity & Voluntary Group Award went to Student Friends of Earls, a voluntary group set up four years ago for pupils who want to help out at the Halesowen school with fundraising events and other things.

Long Service Awards were also handed out on the night to Dudley Youth Council members Emily Baker, Connor Hill, Rhys Khan, Paige Moran and Maisy Neale.

Finally, the Mary Growcott Award for inspirational adults went to Karen Lloyd for going “above and beyond” as a student tutor at King Edward VI College in Stourbridge. Councillor Anne Millward, cabinet member for children’s services, said:

“It was an absolute honour and a privilege to attend these awards. Young people are unfortunately often much maligned in the press and media nowadays.

“The stereotype of the no-good ‘hoodie’ brigade masks the fact that under the radar there are loads of young people who are mature, rounded, well-behaved and doing great things in their communities.

“That’s why the Dudley Youth Awards are so important, they highlight all that is good amongst the young in our community. Long may it continue. I’d like to congratulate all the winners and indeed everyone who was nominated, and I’m already looking forward to next year’s event.”